Lift Kits for Trucks

5min4fighting5min4fighting Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Ford
Do they make any kits for 4x2's?? I want to
get about 3 more inches of ground clearance
on my f-150.

Comments

  • jimvetajimveta Member Posts: 96
    yes, fabtech makes most of them:
    http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Copy/pasted for Ram894x4:

    #1 of 2 LIft by ram894x4 Dec 24, 2000 (04:35 pm)

    I want to get a lift for my 89 dodge ram pickup 1/2ton 4x4 but i don't know were i can get a 4-6in lift that comes with every thing i need so i don't have to buy any thing extra.

    Thanks and happy 4x4.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    I would like to know if lifting a truck is cosmetic only or also functional?
    Lifting a truck would raise center of gravity and increase possibility of rollover. I know this is not good. Increased ground clearance would be good. Is it better to increase ground clearance with bigger tires or with lift kit?
    Most of the trucks I see with lift kits still have the differentials and suspension components at about the same height as regular truck.
    Is the goal of lift kit only to get body of truck higher off ground? If so, why?
  • cspauldingcspaulding Member Posts: 159
    There are 2 types of lift kits...a body lift, and a suspension lift.

    A body lift makes it possible to fit bigger tires under, where they might normally rub; also, this is less costly.

    A suspension lift, lifts your frame and body, which will give you more ground clearance and more of a variety in size of lift, where a body lift can only go 3-4", where a suspension lift can go 3-12" depending on type of vehicle, make, year, etc. ALso with a suspension lift you do get better ground clearance. You have to have either lift to put larger, aggressive tires on.

    Scott & Chris
  • cspauldingcspaulding Member Posts: 159
    Try Summit or check in Peterson's 4x4 Off-Road, they usually have quite a few adds for lift kits.
  • dogman4x4dogman4x4 Member Posts: 16
    Hello All,
    I have recently purchased a new Chevy 2500 HD and am thinking of putting a lift kit on my old 4x4. Having never done this before I'm wondering how tough a job this is and how much it might cost me. I would probably go with a 6" body lift and some larger tires. Any advice will be appreciated.

    Thanks, Scott
  • cspauldingcspaulding Member Posts: 159
    You cannot put a 6" body lift on a truck, because you will have all kinds of problems with linkage and brake lines. A 6" body lift, you would be raising just the body, then you would have to raise your bumpers that high, and all you would see when you look at the truck is frame and everything between the frame and body. On your Dodge, because it has a solid front axle, suspension lifts are reasonably priced and very easy to put on yourself.

    If you need anything else, ask!
    Scott & Chris
  • quadcab4x4quadcab4x4 Member Posts: 44
    I have a 2000 Silverado with a 6" lift. It's from a company called "Superlift". And it is a suspension lift. Keep in mind there are a lot of kits out there. I think this company is top of the line: IMHO.

    A body lift is also an option (not for me) too. I think It shows too much frame. As well as other factors. That said, If cost is #1 this might be the way to go. A body lift for MY truck cost around $265.00. With labor it could run up to $1000.00. Keep in mind tire size is limited.

    A suspension lift for my rig ran me $2000.00. I installed it myself so I saved another $500.00 and up on labor. In short I can move over anything, just about!!Tire size is limited too but I run 35" Baja Claws. And that's about as big a tire that should be used on an IFS. For me the x-tra money is well worth it. It looks and rides awesome..

    I'd be more than happy to answer any and all questions that I can. Just ask..

    Allen-
  • trucklover2trucklover2 Member Posts: 18
    I have a 99 dodge ram 4x4 sport and want to put 36"crs on her. I asked this same question about 2 years ago and received a limited response. So, I will try again.

    I have been told 3 things (I want a 5-6" lift).

    1. go for the full all out suspension lift 6" cost about $1000-1300.

    2. go for a 3" body lift and 3" inch suspension lift. This way you have to do less work and modify the truck very little in comparison to the full 6" suspension lift cost about $700-800.

    3. for a 3" lift it is better for the dodge to go with simple pacers for the pings, blocks for the leafs and upper and lower control arms.

    they say that this is better and easier than adding whole new leafs, front springs etc. etc.

    any ideas?

    I do not want to loose ride quality and do not do a lot of off-goading - yet. I really want to do it for the look.

    Truck
  • quadcab4x4quadcab4x4 Member Posts: 44
    trucklover2,
    The short answer in IMO is #2..

    Allen-
  • cspauldingcspaulding Member Posts: 159
    I'd go with your #2. Unless you're going to get into off-roading/mudding, you don't need the ground clearance. Do you realize how much gas mileage and power you will lose by going this route, if it's only for looks?

    Scott & Chris
  • trucklover2trucklover2 Member Posts: 18
    I am currently running 265-75-16 BFG AT KOs. (crazy heavy side walls/ heavy as hell). when placed next to 36"ers they are really not that much smaller. The 36"ers are basically 2"s wider.

    why do you think the mileage and power will decrease? wieght? height=more wind? wider tire? What kind of loses are you expecting for me?

    The synthetic oil, platinum +4 plugs, K&N air filter and gibson dual exhaust has me up to almost 14mpg. Not bad considering I drive like a fool! Plus I figure any losses could be curved by some headers, and maybe a chip.

    What do you think?

    Lastly, if I were too worried about gas I would never have purchased a Dodge Ram ;)

    Truck
  • klamaideklamaide Member Posts: 1
    I have a 97 Dodge ram 1500 sat 4x4. It already sits pretty high but i'd like about another inch or so. I was wondering if I could get springs off of a 2500 4x4 and put them on my dodge or is it the spacers in between the body and the frame that make the 2500's look like they sit higher than the 1500's.
  • quadcab4x4quadcab4x4 Member Posts: 44
    Do you think we bought (trucks) 4x4's for the gas mileage??

    Allen-
  • trucklover2trucklover2 Member Posts: 18
    from what I have heard either one or two things are happening with the 2500 VS. 1500.

    1. they added a spacer at the top of the springs (front) and a block (rear)

    or

    2. they have bigger springs(front) and added-a-leaf in the rear.

    Or some combination of the two. I would guess that they used a bigger springs and added a leaf because the 2500 components are supposed to be stronger than the 1500.

    But, I have heard of some one copying the 2500 set up. Also, the 2000s had an off road package option and they sit 1-2 higher than my 99. I am not sure what the deal is there but maybe that is a way to go for you too.

    Truck!
  • cspauldingcspaulding Member Posts: 159
    As owner of three 4x4s, no; but it is a concern to a lot of people with the gas prices. I have one that I can only burn "racing fuel" in it (13:1 compression) and know what it costs. I am just trying to make someone aware, before they raise a truck & put on larger tires, that it will affect their mileage! One of our K1500 4x4s also gets 22mpg, not too shabby!
    Chris
  • trucklover2trucklover2 Member Posts: 18
    what's your guess on the mileage losses?

    Truck
  • cspauldingcspaulding Member Posts: 159
    If you're going to 36" tires, 265s are about a 31". Depending on gear ratio, you could expect to lose anywhere between 2 and 4 mpg. Depending on where you live, and the guidelines for emissions, the best and cheapest way to up your fuel mileage is get rid of your catalytic converter, replace your chip, and go with a bigger cam. I did this on my '92 and that bumped me up 6 mpg.
    Scott & Chris
  • quadcab4x4quadcab4x4 Member Posts: 44
    Trucklover2, I can give you exact mileage..

    When she was a baby she wore 245/75/16's and got 15.87-16mpg

    2000 Silverado
    5.3L
    Extend cab
    4x4
    4.10 gears

    After she grew up. 6" lift (Superlift) she wore 35/13.5/16 Baja Claws...10.26-11.2mpg.. Keep in mind these are really aggressive tires. You may pick up 1-3mpg with 35" A/T's.

    To sum it up I lost almost 6 mpg going from 30.5" to 35" tires.
    Hope this helps.

    Allen-
  • trucklover2trucklover2 Member Posts: 18
    Those numbers are probably not enough to stop me from making the change. But it is good to know how much extra loot I need to budget for in the way of gas.

    I really appreciate the help!

    Truck
  • snappy3snappy3 Member Posts: 13
    I know this group is lift kits for trucks, but is it ever done to lift a unibody automobile? I just want more ground clearance for driving rough, unpaved roads. I want to keep all my camping stuff inside the car.

    Years ago, I read about a driver doing it to a Volkswagon Rabbit. He said that he could maneuver pretty good with that short wheelbase car. I do not have any particular model in mind. Do you know of any modern automobile that could be lifted that way? Thanks
  • quadcab4x4quadcab4x4 Member Posts: 44
    trying to scare you. LOL. To me there is almost nothing better than a properly Lifted truck..

    Allen-
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    Ha ha,if you are going with bigger tires,I think if mileage is a concern,you might want to rethink it.
    I have 40" Gumbo Mudders for summer tires and 35" mud T/As for winter.In order to fit those bad boys under the truck,it has an 8" suspension lift and dual steering stabilizers. Remember that when you lift a vehicle like that,you change the geometry of the vehicle and the center of gravity is raised,making it a little tippy, if you aren't aware of what you are doing. Larger tires add a bounce to the rig too.
  • quadcab4x4quadcab4x4 Member Posts: 44
    Flip side you can off-set that problem. You need to go almost (not 8") as wide on the tires as with the lift..This spreads the weight out. Makes the truck more stable.

    Allen-
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    While you can go wider,the problem with the wider tires is that the wider you go, the more bounce there is to the vehicle. So it defeats the purpose.Plus, then you have to contend with adding fender flares and stuff like that.
    It is bad enough that I have to maintain mud flaps at a legal length to avoid any hassles with the authorities. I carry a spare set of rear mud flaps, because if you tear one off,you will be pulled over around where I live, before you make it home.It is a $50 fine.
  • quadcab4x4quadcab4x4 Member Posts: 44
    Is a fix all! There are pros and cons to each and everything that's done to a lifted truck. It all depends on what you want, and what you are prepared to deal with..If bouncing is a main concern to you, well you most likely are not ready to go off-road.

    I have a full size extend cab 2K Silverado lifted 6" with 35x13.5" tires. I can tell you it doesn't BOUNCE..Maybe you have to go to 44's for that, I don't know.

    Mud flaps suck on a lifted rig, that is one of those cons you just have to deal with...Not here in NY..

    Allen-
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